League Structure: Fostering Friendship and Competition

GESA is designed to provide a safe and inclusive environment for young gamers to connect, compete, and grow. We believe that esports can be a powerful tool for developing essential life skills, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and sportsmanship.

To ensure a balanced and enjoyable experience for all players, we've structured our league into multiple divisions:

School-Based Divisions

• Preschool and Elementary School: Our youngest gamers can start building friendships and gaming skills in a supportive environment. Teams are formed within local school districts to encourage in-person connections and school spirit.
• Middle School and High School: As players progress, the competition heats up. School-based teams allow students to represent their schools with pride while fostering a sense of community.

Special Divisions

• Homeschool: We understand the unique needs of homeschooled students and offer dedicated divisions to connect them with like-minded peers.
• Global: For gamers who want to test their skills against players from around the world, our global division provides an exciting opportunity to compete on a larger stage.

Safety First Our top priority is creating a safe and positive gaming environment for all participants. Through rigorous moderation and age-appropriate divisions, we strive to protect our players from harmful content and online threats.

Building Connections We believe that esports can be a powerful tool for building friendships and strengthening communities. By grouping players based on age, school, or homeschooling status, we create opportunities for players to connect with others who share their interests and experiences.

Seasons

• Fall: August (Pre-season Access), September, October, November, December
• Spring: January, February, March, April
• Summer: May, June, July, August

What Games and Devices are Required?

• What Devices do you need to participate?: Our goal is to make gaming accessible. If your student doesn't have any device, we recommend simply starting with an affordable Kindle Fire HD 8. Most teams will also support PC, Nintendo Switch, Playstation, X-Box, and Android Phones. Support and guides are offered for the Kindle Fire HD only. Please talk to your local coach to know what the top games are in your area.
• Games: Players should budget for at least 1 game per season. One of our most popular games is Minecraft for the Kindle Fire, which is a one-time purchase less than $10! There are Free Games available as well, but players should budget for a single game to maximize the benefits of being part of the league
• Total Costs: Costs tend to be lower than non-eSports leagues with many of the same benefits! Think of the tablet and games like Baseball Bats, footballs, and football pads- Each of those sports do require some equipment, and your device + games is the equipment you need to partake!

Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just starting out, there's a place for you in our league. Join us as we empower the next generation of gamers and digital citizens.